One of six clubs with shorter than 10/1 odds to win the World Cup, Portugal is a big favorite to advance to the knockout stage as Group K winner. There is a big gap between the top two squads in the group and the bottom two. Columbia is positioned as the second favorite with DR Congo and tournament debutant Uzbekistan on the bottom of the odds board.
A key storyline in the group is Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup. At 41 he’s one of the oldest players to compete in the World Cup. He’s not the player he once was and that’s fine with Portugal, which tied Mexico and devoured the US in the March window without him. Portugal doesn’t need Ronaldo to win matches and they don’t need him to win this group.
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Odds to win Group K
Portugal -205
Colombia +200
DR Congo +1700
Uzbekistan +4000
You can talk in length about why Portugal is a contender to win the World Cup without even mentioning Ronaldo. That’s how good this team is. They go two-deep at just about every position giving coach Roberto Martinez options that few teams in the tournament can match. The talented Columbians were rattled in the March friendly window with a pair of setbacks, but expect them to be ready when the bell rings. DR Congo and Uzbekistan are positioned as long shots and will be looking to advance as one of the top third place teams.
Odds for Group K teams to win World Cup
Portugal +900
Colombia +4,000
DR Congo +80,000
Uzbekistan +150,000
Portugal and Columbia are both situated among the top one-quarter of teams on the World Cup futures odds board meaning they have a realistic chance of hoisting the trophy. If Ronaldo is healthy and able to do things few players can, Portugal suddenly becomes a favorite. How the club manages his fitness during the group stage can lead to better things. Columbia has a veteran roster capable of big things, but a tough March window raised questions about their depth entering the World Cup.
Group K Team Previews
Portugal -205
The biggest concern for Portugal isn’t winning the group rather staying focused around all the noise regarding Ronaldo’s final World Cup. Group K will get plenty of attention because of him and Portugal has to avoid the circus and let the current stars work. And there are plenty of them led by Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves, who each had a hat trick in a 9-1 win over Armenia in qualifying. Midfielder Bernardo Silva makes Portugal tough to defend on both sides of field at the same time.
Group Match Schedule:
June 17: vs. DR Congo, 1 p.m. ET, Houston, US
June 23: vs. Uzbekistan, 1 p.m. ET, Houston, US
June 27: vs. Columbia, 7:30 p.m. ET, Miami, US
Colombia +200
With nearly the same roster that almost beat Argentina in July in the Copa America final and had a 28 match unbeaten streak, Columbia should reach the knockout stage and has a realistic shot at winning the group. An aging roster, though, makes staying healthy a huge concern. They need to get over March losses to Croatia and France. Luis Diaz might be the most dangerous player in the group coming off a wonderful season with Bayern Munich.
Group Match Schedule:
June 17: vs. Uzbekistan, 10 p.m. ET, Mexico City, MX
June 23: vs. DR Congo, 10 p.m. ET, Guadalajara, MX
June 27: vs. Portugal, 7:30 p.m. ET, Miami, US
DR Congo +1700
The last time the Democratic Republic of Congo competed in the World Cup the country wasn’t even known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 1974, Zaire made its first and, until now, only appearance. French coach Sebastian Desabre built his squad with experienced continental players and dual citizens who bring experience at the highest levels of European football. The game plan prioritizes organization and quick transitions, but the roster lacks depth leaving the XI to cover a lot of ground.
Group Match Schedule:
June 17: vs. Portugal, 1 p.m. ET, Houston, US
June 23: vs. Columbia, 10 p.m. ET, Guadalajara, MX
June 27: vs. Uzbekistan, 7:30 p.m. ET, Atlanta, US
Uzbekistan +4000
For the first time as an independent country Uzbekistan is in the World Cup. Since 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro took over the club has won six of eight matches with a draw. He can also help the squad in its first World Cup endeavor by relating the experiences of competing against the best teams and players in the world.
Group Match Schedule:
June 17: vs. Columbia, 10 p.m. ET, Mexico City, MX
June 23: vs. Portugal, 1 p.m. ET, Houston, US
June 27: vs. DR Congo, 7:30 p.m. ET, Atlanta, US
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